Early investors in the four tech industries above likely became millionaires as innovative breakthroughs disrupted their fields… Today, there’s only one breakthrough capable of upending the market… It’s what I call the “God Key” and it’s expected to grow by 35,000% in the coming years.

Reader Mailbag

I like how everyone else has zero idea how high the price will go. But the one comment Doug makes that I think is the most likely outcome is that something at some point will cause bitcoin to collapse, whether that is government intervention or some other cause.

If I had to guess at this point, my guess would that a competing crypto that is more efficient, cost-effective, and faster will replace bitcoin. But for any crypto to last and become trusted and used in everyday commerce, the volatility is going to have to lessen substantially.

—Don

I agree with Mr. Casey's thoughts on bitcoin because governments are going to keep control of their own currencies, digital or otherwise. In addition, companies continue to develop more sophisticated computers.

—Edna

I watched the conversation between Justin and Doug. Too many people think this bitcoin will go higher. And the sky is the limit. Aren't we duplicating the dot-com era?

I think Doug is right. Bitcoin went from $300 in early 2016 to $18,000 a few days ago. The increase is incredible. Things don't stay good forever.

I started with cryptocurrencies in November 2017. I had a small account. But in 6 weeks I doubled my money. It’s unreal.

—Hsiao

I disagree with Doug's thoughts about bitcoin being disrupted by quantum computing. What he's overlooked is this: cryptographic algorithms will also advance, neutralizing the power of the forthcoming computers. It will be a long time before we even see a reliably working quantum machine, and the cryptography experts are not sitting still. I'm not losing sleep.

—Alfredo

Nothing would give me more glee than to see NSA obliterate all cryptos with a discreet computer virus worldwide.

—Patrick

I agree with Doug on this. I would like to add that even now the crypto trading infrastructure is becoming unstable under explosive demand. I mean the exchanges, the wallets, and the fees are very wobbly right now. Unheard-of demand might cause a critical failure, a shutdown… and then a bust.

—David

The final paragraph told me everything I needed to know. Doug fails to consider that bitcoin is truly INTERNATIONAL. Indeed, Japan already considers bitcoin a currency. Furthermore, if he hasn't already gotten the memo, the mintage of BTC is around 16.75MM, NOT the 21MM which will be achieved by year 2140.

I could rattle on more and more about this. I've actually mined bitcoin back in winter 2009, just to give my computer something to do while I was in class. I witnessed the insanity of Mt. Gox firsthand and avoided the "grab" as I never keep any crypto in one place, except to conduct a trade, sell, or buy—then I'm out of there! That's how to keep from getting Gox'ed or Cryptsy'ed!

—Mark

I love your ability to put a small thing like bitcoin in perspective to the GDP. I must learn to do that sort of thing. Thanks.

I'm feeling pretty hopeful for the next few years ahead because of low commodity prices and trends in technology, especially batteries and Trump's infrastructure plans. At the same time, the debts of governments and banks loom. I'm hoping that the impending crash will leave some mechanisms intact. I'm still reeling from 2007-08.

Nevertheless, I also want to thank you for instilling in me enough confidence to switch to self-directed investing from mutual fund investing a couple of decades ago. It's a better lifestyle for me.